The Philippine government has expressed concern over the intrusion of a Chinese ship into Benham Rise and pledged to continue to assert the country's ownership over the area. The DFA is currently studying and consulting with other agencies if and when it should file a protest against the presence and the visit of a Chinese survey ship in Benham Rise. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had earlier revealed that China was possibly exploring the mineral-rich Benham Rise, located off the coast of Isabela and Aurora. Lorenzana said satellite photos showed a Chinese survey ship was plying the Benham Rise for three to six months last year. He has already directed the Philippine Navy o drive away the foreign ship if it returns to the area.

Kabiling, G., & Mabasa, R. (2017, March 11). PH asserts sovereignty over Benham Rise. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 12.